Most Excellent Grilled Chicken
Discover the secret to perfectly tender and flavorful chicken with our "Most Excellent Grilled Chicken" recipe, a crowd-pleaser that's both simple and spectacular. This recipe begins with a vibrant marinade made from a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and warm spices like paprika, oregano, and thyme, balanced with a touch of honey for natural sweetness. The chicken breasts are infused with bold, citrusy flavors as they marinate, resulting in juicy, smoky meat with a crispy, golden-brown char from the grill. Optimized for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time and is the ultimate addition to any meal—pair it with grilled veggies, a crisp salad, or fluffy rice for a wholesome feast. Perfectly grilled chicken has never been this easy or delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to pound the thicker parts of the chicken slightly to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for more intense flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375–450°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes on one side without moving, then flip and cook for another 6–8 minutes on the other side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; the chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a plate covered with foil for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the grilled chicken warm with your favorite sides such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice pilaf. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1584 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.6 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 1112 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 217.1 g | 434% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 118 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1941 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
